Tanah Boyd has declared the Titans will be treating each one of their remaining seven games with the utmost importance as they continue to strive to play finals footy.
Anticipating the need to win almost every game on the run home to ensure they are in contention for the playoffs in September, the challenge has got even tougher now missing their captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui for the next three weeks after accepting a Grade 1 Shoulder Charge handed down by the NRL Judiciary on Monday.
But despite having their inspirational leader on the sidelines, the finals belief hasn't wavered from the remainder of the playing group, who are prepared to fill the void left by the Gold Coat enforcer.
"We've just got to have that next man up mentality," Boyd said.
"Whoever comes in has to do a big job because it's do or die now... we've got to win every game basically to make the eight so everyone's got to step up now.
"[Not just with Tino] but with a couple of players out, everyone's got to go that next bit and individually, you've got to get your own prep right and we've got to play like every game is our grand final.
"That's how we're going to prepare and the boys know that."
Remaining in the fight for the full 80 minutes the past three weeks, including losses by four, two and a mere point against the Raiders, Dolphins and most recently Eels, it has been a tough few weeks with such a heavy focus on effort without any points to show for it on the scoreboard.
But what has been gained for the young group is the continued learnings of what it takes to win a game of first grade rugby league, especially the crunch moments at the death in which Boyd has been in the box seat for with having to execute field goals in multiple weeks.
"I've definitely had lots of learnings these last two weeks, that's for sure," he said.
"It's hard... you kind of look back on the weekend and I had to ice that moment (the field goal), but it doesn't go your way every time.
"I've just got to look back on it and you learn from that and your work on those things. It's all experience and looking at the ways you can can do better next time."
Match: Titans v Roosters
Round 21 -
home Team
Titans
14th Position
away Team
Roosters
12th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Another learning the 23-year-old is relishing this weekend is the chance to face off against the likes of International stars James Tedesco, Joseph Manu, Luke Keary and Brandon Smith when the Roosters come to town - a task that will be no easy feat even with the tricolours' recent underwhelming form line.
"I always love [those battles]... especially that we have a few out as well," Boyd said.
"It's a good challenge for our boys and especially for the young guys as well, getting the chance to go up against the best
"I know they're struggling, but I know they're a pretty hard club to play when it comes to getting a win against them.
"They'll be doing their best to win on the weekend and we have to step up so it's definitely exciting and a good challenge for us."
